ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday received a telephone call from his Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte and discussed with the latter the situation in Afghanistan, including the efforts for evacuation of people from the country.

Prime Minister Khan stated that Pakistan was closely following the developments and was in touch with regional and international partners.

He said Pakistan was facilitating the evacuation of diplomatic personnel and staff of international organisations and others from Afghanistan, as requested.

The Dutch prime minister thanked Pakistan for its support and facilitation for their evacuation endeavors.

Prime Minister Khan stressed that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan was critically important for Pakistan and the region. He underscored that safety and security as well as protection of the rights of all Afghans wer critically important. He said that an inclusive political settlement in Afghanistan was the best way forward. It was equally essential for the world community to stay engaged in order to support the people of Afghanistan economically and help rebuild the country, he added.

Both the leaders agreed to enhance mutual cooperation between the two countries in various fields.

Published in Dawn, August 19th, 2021